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by Dana Laursen, Director, Education Strategy and Evaluation — September 11, 2009
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Guidance, fact sheets and other resources were recently added to the US Department of Education website for the remaining ARRA priorities including School Improvement and the Secretary's Innovation funding. In terms of ARRA funds, both the recovery priorities—meaning support to fill in for budget gaps—and the reinvestment priorities—those initiatives aimed at school improvement and innovation support—have been addressed. It's clear that technology plays a big role in these initiatives, and most are closely aligned to the priorities identified in Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) grant applications. High-quality, proven assessments, innovative practices, teacher professional development, extended time for learning, engaging technology-based learning strategies, data-driven instruction, and 21st Century Skills are all part of the master plan for a more globally competitive education system. The EETT funding as part of this reform strategy focuses the spotlight specifically on the potential of technology in today's classrooms. In addition, the EETT grant process is the responsibility of the Education Technology office in many states, with State Education Technology directors playing a key role in the design of the grant applications. This provides opportunity for additional "voices" in the reform efforts for many states.
If not already posted, states are finalizing their grant processes with nearly a third of the states so far exercising the option to make the grant process 100% competitive, meaning all available funding will be distributed based on a competitive grant process rather than the typical 50/50 ratio. What does this mean for you in your state and your district? Check out your local state education website regarding grant application availability. Start with the Education Technology office in most states, or contact them directly via email to find out what the state's plans are and how they can help you in your efforts to use technology in your school and classrooms. Call us at 800.44.PLATO if you'd like more information about the PLATO Learning "fit" for your plans, utilizing these and other federal funding resources.
